India Joins In As Employees 'Walk Out' Of Google Offices Across The World Over Treatment Of Women

Thousands of Google employees across the globe, including India, walked out of their offices on Thursday to protest the company's handling of sexual misconduct cases.

Dubbed the 'Google Walkout,' the demonstrations followed the storm stirred by a New York Times investigation. It details the multi-million dollar severance packages for accused executives and a lack of transparency in dealing with such cases, over the years.

The employees have demanded key changes in the company's stance, which could finally help the victims sue their harassers.

Among other issues raised by protestors are unequal pay and a lack of gender representation.

Google's chief executive Sundar Pichai has supported the staff's right to protest.

"Yesterday, we let Googlers know that we are aware of the activities planned for Thursday and that employees will have the support they need if they wish to participate," he said.

"I understand the anger and disappointment that many of you feel," he said in an all-staff email. "I feel it as well, and I am fully committed to making progress on an issue that has persisted for far too long in our society… and, yes, here at Google, too."

A Twitter feed titled @googlewalkout has documented the movement at Google's international offices.

Google staff in Singapore, Zurich, London, Tokyo, Berlin and New York were among the first to take part.

Google confirmed to PTI that about 150 employees participated in the protests in India. The tech giant has offices in four locations in the country, namely Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Google has struggled to deal with the reaction generated by the New York Times report. Top executives have promised in a mail that the company is "dead serious" towards workplace safety and creating an inclusive environment.

At least 48 other employees have been sacked for sexual harassment without receiving a payout, Pichai told staff. He admitted the New York Times' report had been "difficult to read".

Staff involved in Thursday's walkout were supposed to leave a note on their desks telling colleagues: "I'm not at my desk because I'm walking out with other Googlers and contractors to protest sexual harassment, misconduct, lack of transparency, and a workplace culture that's not working for everyone."